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Definitions

soften

[saw-fuhn, sof-uhn] / ˈsɔ fən, ˈsɒf ən /
VERB
calm, soothe
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate alleviate cushion diminish dissolve ease lessen lighten lower mellow melt mitigate moderate modify relax relent temper thaw tone down weaken
STRONG
allay appease assuage bend disintegrate enfeeble give knead mash moisten mollify palliate qualify quell still subdue tenderize yield
WEAK
become tender turn down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate agitate coagulate compliment excite heighten incite increase intensify irritate magnify rise solidify strengthen upset worsen
STRONG
disturb provoke
WEAK
trouble

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I let everything slump and soften before transferring the mixture to my mini blender for a quick blitz into a pale orange, velvet-like base.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

After parents' and employers' associations objected, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appeared to soften the announcement, describing it as a "proposal".

From BBC • May 9, 2026

During the reporting process, I noticed my pessimism soften a little.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Assassination attempts can also soften the tenor of how the media covers presidents.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026

“I’m sorry to say that there’s still something stiff and severe in my drawings, and I think that she, namely her influence will be needed to soften that.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman